OLD MAGIC
Chapter 42: So What Now?
Shaking his head, Dumbledore felt adrift at the moment, something he'd not experienced in a very long time. It seemed the war was over with him sitting on the sidelines during the final battle. He didn't know how to handle that. He was used to being in control and clearly he wasn't and hadn't been since the day the boy, Harry Potter, had been taken into the forest.
He was still grappling with the fact Hagrid wasn't as slow witted nor powerless as they had all thought. And even more terrifying, it appeared the forest dwellers were the same or even more powerful and skilled with magic than any in the wizarding world had imagined. He wasn't sure he wanted to actually see what they were capable of but if what Hagrid was hinting at, they would all learn just how much of a threat the forest dwellers could be if they so chose.
And that was the question, wasn't it? Did they mean the wizarding harm or did they simply want recognition that they weren't an object of ridicule, distrust, and abuse. Nor did they wish to continue to be ignored as creatures of no account in the scheme of things.
Shaking his head again, he stared at everyone in turn. Spreading his hands on his desk, he noticed just how old they looked. At that very moment he was feeling every one of his some two hundred years.
"So what now?" He asked of the room at large, rather plaintively.
Snape was surprised. He hadn't thought the headmaster would cave in this way or perhaps it was just too many shocking facts that laid waste all his carefully made plans? He shook his head. It hardly mattered, things would begin changing drastically for everyone the moment word got out Voldemort was gone.
Suddenly Harry spoke. He stood up and faced McGonagall and Dumbledore, a grim expression on his young face.
"What now? Why clean up, sir. We have a lot of evil to eliminate."
Dumbledore frowned at him, a bit disarmed by this boy's assertiveness.
"Though Voldemort is dead his minions, the death eaters and collaborators are not. We know they must be hiding within the Ministry of Magic and among the movers and shakers of the wizarding world. They must be found and taken down before a true peace can be declared," Harry said earnestly.
The headmaster blinked in surprise by Harry's very adult assessment of the current situation. "That is very true, Harry, though, if you'll pardon me saying so, not something I would expect to hear from someone your age."
Harry just shrugged. "A great many people will underestimate me, sir, and will continue to do so until I'm able to prove I can do what I say. As for what I suggest be done, it was only logical and something I am certain you would have come up with when all the shocks you've received have passed."
Snape hid a small smile. Way to go Harry. Say what you need and then soothe the old man's ego so he will be on your side.
"Thank you, Harry, but I don't need my ego stroked," Dumbledore managed a weak smile in appreciation of the boy's attempt.
Busted! Snape hid a snort. Still a sharp buzzard after all, he thought, amused.
Harry blushed and shrugged.
Dumbledore sighed, stretched then stood up. "Whatever my feelings on these matters, it doesn't change the fact that you are correct, Harry. That is the next logical step but, unfortunately, the Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge, will have to be convinced there is a need then get the cooperation of the aurors to get it done and as you well know, the Minister has refused to even believe such a threat exists. It will be a daunting task to force him to see reason."
"Yes sir, I haven't forgotten how little the Minister likes being told Voldemort was still around so I understand things have to be done slowly if cleaning up is to succeed. I also know the key to making Mr. Fudge listen will be the announcement the Elder's plan.
The headmaster gave a sigh but nodded. "That might be true though whatever their plans it will have to be a big enough display to make the rest of the wizarding world listen."
"Too right, sir. However, there's nothing we can do until the Elders make their move first. I just hope they don't take too long taking action."
"Why? Is there some kind of deadline we don't know about?" McGonagall asked, still stunned and trying to cope.
"Only that the longer the death eaters are allowed to run free the more chances there are that one of them will try to become the new leader and cause even more grief. And don't forget, Voldemort does have many non-human allies that can also cause trouble."
"Ah, he be right, Professor Dumbledore. One of his minions, a Banshee, showed up during our battle last night and glad I am there were only one of them to deal with," Hagrid said, adding, "... and that Professor Snape here was able to end it taking a wound in the effort."
Dumbledore and McGonagall both turned to stare at Snape in dismay.
"I am well, have no worries," the potion's master assured them.
"That is good to hear, Severus," the headmaster sighed in relief then turned back to Hagrid. "I'm surprised he didn't bring others," he mused.
"Aye, so did I but I believe we can attribute the reason to that insufferably big ego he had. The fool didn't consider Harry a threat and, of course, he werent aware the boy had allies that werent wizards. That were quite a surprise for him, I can tell yeu," Hagrid snorted, satisfaction glittering in his dark eyes.
"Yes, Tom was always arrogant and far too certain of his prowess with magic. Being too dismissive of others is and was his ultimate downfall." Dumbledore sighed in regret. " Such a terrible shame losing a talented and powerful wizard like that ... but then he was lost from the time of his birth if Moody is correct. What did he call it ... ah, yes born with sociopathic tendencies. Another new term we have learned from muggles." He grimaced.
McGonagall shook her head. "A condition I wished we had known existed. How do we prevent such an occurrence from happening again?" She wondered aloud, not really expecting an answer.
"I took it upon myself, Minerva, to have Moody give me the data he had collected on the various psychosis' that exist in muggles that would be dangerous or detrimental to wizarding kind and passed that on to Hogwarts. The castle spirit has incorporated that in its criteria for finding young wizards. Be assured those that have any of these mental problems will be stricken from the attendance list," Dumbledore said.
"That's a relief."
"Excellent move, headmaster, and one I am glad you had the foresight to take care of. I'm ashamed to admit, that I had completely forgotten that bit of shocking information Alastor had given us. I intend to rectify that oversight quickly and read up on the subject for myself," Snape added.
Dumbledore smiled sadly. "Better late than never, I believe some muggle said."
"So true."
"So are you going to tell the Order of the Phoenix about what we said today, sir," Harry interrupted. Though the brief sidetrack in subject was interesting, it wasn't as important as what he wanted to know now. "Personally, I have no desire to tell my story yet again before a room full of powerful wizards who will be outraged and shocked. So, if you don't mind, sir, I'd like to skip that confrontation. One is enough for me for the day that has been way too long already." He quickly smothered a yawn.
Dumbledore eyed him narrowly. The boy looked exhausted which meant the battle must have ended not too long ago. Sighing, he removed his glasses and rubbed his eyes then put them back on before answering. "No, you don't have to repeat this again, Harry. I will have to resort to using my Pensieve to convince them. Something this volatile requires the true event to be seen to believe. But even then this many shocking truths are going to cause much disturbance." Snape snorted at his use of such a mild word for how the Order would react. Dumbledore gave him a warning glance before continuing. "However, upset they may be, it's important they be ready for whatever the Elders plan to do next."
"Best extract a promise that they do not release this information until the Elders have done so first, soir," Hagrid warned.
"Now that will be difficult to arrange as Shacklebolt will feel honor bound to do just that and will insist it be released to the Ministry immediately." Nobody looked happy about that fact.
"As to that, soir, I will be attending to back up yere words. And show a bit of truth about meself as well to ensure compliance. I believe even Mr. Shacklebolt will hold back if he is sufficiently worried and afraid of what the Elders might do," Hagrid said coolly.
"And, of course, I will be there as well, Albus. Between the two of us, I doubt anyone will be willing to spill the beans, as it were," Snape smiled, showing all teeth like a wolf.
The great wizard found himself shivering at the unspoken threat in Snape's tone and manner. "I hope you are right, Severus. We will just have to wait and see."
"It will be a headache inducing meeting to be sure," McGonagall muttered.
I quite agree, Dumbledore thought to himself.
"What time do we meet, soir?" Hagrid asked, bringing his attention back to those waiting.
Dumbledore's brow knitted in thought. "Around seven tonight, I think. I will send the owls immediately. Meanwhile, we have the day's tasks ahead of us so off with you all." He paused to give Harry a piercing stare. "I could excuse you from classes, Harry, if you're too tired ..."
"No, that's alright, sir. Though I would give anything for a few hours more sleep that would start gossip about what is going on and we don't want that. I'll muddle through somehow and do my best not to fall asleep in class." Harry's stomach chose that moment to growl. "Uh, however, I do need to get some food first. I missed breakfast."
"Ah, that is easily remedied. Rusifer!" Dumbledore called to the air. A house elf immediately appeared. It was rather young with rusty colored hair in wisps everywhere about its head and wearing a very old and stained Hogwart's tea cloth.
"You wish somethin' master?"
Dumbledore nodded at Harry to speak his need. "Oh, uh, could I have a ham sandwich and some pumpkin juice, please ... oh, and deliver it to my room. Thank you," he told the elf. "I still need to get my books and things," he said in aside to explain the detour. The headmaster nodded his understanding.
Clearly dismissed, the house elf nodded and snapped out of view.
"Thank you again sir. I'll leave you all now."
"Have an easy day, Harry. See you at lunch."
"Yes sir," Harry said briefly before turning and leaving as fast as he could.
Once the boy was gone, Dumbledore turned his attention to Hagrid and Snape. Both had risen to their feet preparing to leave. "Have a peaceful day. See you tonight."
"Till then, soir," Hagrid acknowledged. Snape simply inclined his head and the two began to head for the door together.
"Severus, please remain for a few minutes more," the headmaster requested, halting the potion's master just inches from the door.
Raising an eyebrow in surprise, Snape stopped and returned. After only raising a bushy eyebrow in mild surprise, Hagrid continued on out, closing the door behind him.
McGonagall hadn't moved when Dumbledore turned to her. "Please go Minerva. I will see you at lunch."
With only a small frown on her face, McGonagall stood, inclined her head in a brief nod. Silence reigned for a few moments after the door closed behind her. Finally, the headmaster sat back down and eyed Snape curiously.
"You may refuse to answer this, Severus, but I feel compelled to ask it anyway … are you human or only half?"
Snape eyed the man warily. The question wasn't unexpected but whether he answered or not wasn't an easy thing to decide. However, did it really matter now with his entire family and Voldemort gone?
"It's not something I am willing to discuss, headmaster, as I have been trained to keep this a secret from all but family."
"Yet you revealed it to the forest dwellers ..."
"Actually, no. They knew I was different but not in what way. They learned my secret the night of the battle because my abilities were needed."
"To defeat the Banshee ... I see. So you have never revealed this thing to anyone even after the death of your closest family." He paused and studied the young man a moment before asking hesitantly, "Since you have revealed this secret at last, could I be trusted to know it as well?"
Snape sighed and thought about it. To give himself some time he wandered over to Fawkes. He and the bird eyed one another for a long moment then Snape spoke to it in that strange gargle and chirp language he'd used earlier.
Albus cocked an ear and listened to the odd conversation, wishing, fleetingly, that he could communicate with his familiar in the same manner or mentally which he suspected Harry had done earlier. Then sighed as he realized that apparently wasn't the nature of his relationship with Fawkes. When he was taught about familiar's, he had been told the familiar determines the type of relationship and method of communication when the bond is made. And that method, whatever it is, remains in force until one of them dies. So apparently he had only been allowed an emotional bond with the Phoenix.
Ignoring the headmaster's curious stare, Snape asked advice of his friend, "What should I do? This secret has been kept in my family for centuries."
"True … but unnecessary it is now ... none to hurt ... but to be known help all ... you most of all," Fawkes said firmly.
"What? But why? What I am has no bearing on what I do from now on so is it really necessary that anyone know?"
Fawkes tilted his head then leaned forward until their eyes were close. "Important you are ... educate wizarding kind of who we are ... this part of better future seen. Trust hard but security ... safety ... for you ... some aware should be ... and worthy he is."
"Really?"
The Phoenix made what sounded like a snort. "My familiar he is ... know him I should." Snape blushed at the mild rebuke and glanced over at Dumbledore who eyed him back with hope in his vivid blue eyes. Sighing, Snape turned back to Fawkes and gave a brisk nod. "Thank you for your insight."
"Welcome you are."
Leaving Fawkes, Snape returned to the headmaster and stood before the seated man a moment, cocking his head much like a bird would as he studied the man. Dumbledore said nothing and waited with bated breath. Then suddenly a blur came over the man and in the next moment a huge black bird stood there, nearly as tall as the man had been, wings held tightly to his body so as not to knock any of the precious artifacts off their perches.
Instantly a cacophony of excited voices burst forth from the canvas' on the walls as the portraits exclaimed in shocked amazement … some because they recognized the ancient form … others because they thought he was an Animagus and hadn't reported it as required by wizarding law.
Dumbledore's reaction was more subdued but excitement did thrum through him. He rose from his seat and walked around the desk to stand before the giant bird in utter fascination.
"Positively amazing. I don't believe I've ever seen such a form before nor was I aware you were an Animagus, Severus," he said, making the same erroneous mistake some of the portraits did.
Giving a caw, the big bird shook it's head in the negative.
The old wizard frowned in confusion. He walked a circle to study the creature from all sides before halting in front of it again. "You are not? Then what are you?" The form began to dissolve which caused Albus to make a sound of regret. In seconds the magnificent creature was gone and Severus appeared in his usual black clothing. Now that was interesting especially if he wasn't an Animagus.
"I am not an Animagus, headmaster." Snape confirmed. "As you know those kinds of wizards have an affinity for their spirit animal and, with specialized transfiguration training, are able to assume that shape. However, my form is inherited. An ancient ancestor of mine was so enamored of these birds that he dared to design a spell to combine human DNA with those of the Blackfeather species. He got what he hoped for in his progeny. But the gene doesn't breed true consistently so very few are born with the ability."
"And how often might that be?" Dumbledore asked, fascinated.
"Perhaps only one in several generations."
"Is it sex linked?"
"No. Though there have been more males than females."
"How extraordinary. But because it's a natural talent, I suspect you would have needed specialized training to learn to control the change, yes?"
Snape grimaced. "Oh definitely. The ability to change occurs around puberty and mine appeared at a most inopportune time … during my thirteenth birthday party. Thankfully, it had only been family in attendance. However, it still had caused quite a stir as there hadn't been a Blackfeather born in my immediate family for nearly a century."
"Oh dear. Then you had no one to train you on how to use your abilities?"
"And that's what we all thought, however, apparently I got lucky. A reclusive relative, none thought was still alive, suddenly appeared days later and took me under his wing, as it were. He was a very ancient soul but still sharp and spry enough to handle and train a gawky teen. And, though the training was hard, he at least treated me with kindness and affection. I loved him dearly." Snape sighed at the memory.
"And then you were returned to the less than tender mercies of your father," Dumbledore added, sadly, knowing about the harsh treatment the elder Snape bestowed on his only son. Fortunately for Severus the man died when he was fifteen but by that time much of the damage to the body and mind of the boy had been done. It was that cruel treatment that had led the boy toward the dark in the first place.
Snape snarled with hatred at the reminder of his father's cruelty. "I might have been spared that if my mentor had not died shortly after my training was completed, but the man was over four hundred years old and couldn't be expected to keep going. I was extremely lucky he even lived that long in the first place."
"Yes, you were indeed. And perhaps his longevity was because somehow he knew one would be born. You did say he seemed to be the last, eh?"
A surprised look flashed over the still young face. "I never thought of it that way before. You could be right. Anyway, …." Snape shook off the old memories. "... unlike an Animagus, I need no spell to change back and forth."
"Hmm, that means your clothing shouldn't survive the change ... yet yours do. How is that possible?"
Snape blushed a bit when he remembered the embarrassment he experienced that long ago birthday when he returned to his human form stark naked. His mother was quick to transfigure a blanket around him but the damage to his ego had already been done.
"Correct, Albus, which is why my mother strongly suggested, shortly after my birthday, that when I went to Hogwarts I should take the Animagus Transformation Class to learn more control and how to keep my clothing present. I did as she advised and never regretted it."
"She would have been proud of you, Severus. You transform with ease and are dressed impeccably afterward so you have learned your lessons well."
Snape bobbed his head and smiled, genuinely pleased by the compliment. "Thank you, sir. I trust that has answered all your questions?"
"It has for now my boy. What a rare creature you are and I'm pleased to make your acquaintance. Are you the last?"
"I fear I may be. Though Harry seems to think I should look further afield before resigning myself to that possible fate. His knowledge of muggle computers is extensive and it has opened a whole world of information that even living among them as a child, I never knew about. But at the time, I was rather sheltered from them by my father."
"Computers?"
Dumbledore looked confused.
"Yes, a very effective machine muggles use for learning and communication. They are generations ahead of us in nearly all areas except magic. And it is that fact that is the true danger for magical kind."
Dumbledore cocked a skeptical eye at his potion's master. "I am aware the muggles are more sophisticated than wizard kind but I hardly think that makes them a serious threat."
"And that attitude and mindset is exactly why we will be unprepared when their world inevitably smashes into ours," Snape said flatly
The headmaster felt a great disquiet in his soul by Snape's certainty of a new threat, this time with the muggles, waited just beyond their borders. What could he be missing?